Our. 

Office-Bearers 




&CTV£ 






D 




Copyright^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



Our 
Lay Office-Bearers 



BY 

REV. G. F. OLIVER D. D. 



CINCINNATI: JENNINGS AND GRAHAM 
NEWYORK: EATON AND MAINS 



^l 



4-^ 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 

Two Copies Received 

DEC 19 1905 

Copyright Entry 
CLASS CL XXc, No, 

x a 9 # 3 

copy b. ';■ 



©Ic. 



COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY 
JENNINGS & PYE. 



" Mokeover thou shalt provide out of all 
the people able men, such as fear God, men 
of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such 
over them, to be rulers of thousands, and 
rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and 
rulers of tens; and let them judge the peo- 
ple at all seasons: and it shall be, that every 
great matter they shall bring unto thee, but 
every small matter they shall judge them- 
selves: so shall it be easier for thyself, and 
they shall bear the burden with thee." 
(Jethro's counsel to Moses, Exodus xviii, 
21, 22.) 



CONTENTS. 



page; 
I. Our Lay Office-Bearers — Their 

Calling 7 

II. Our Lay Office-Bearers — Their 

Character. 16 

III. Our Lay Office-Bearers— Their 

Duties 27 

IV. Our Lay Office-Bearers — Their 

Specific Care 38 

V. Our Lay Office-Bearers — Their 

Trials and Reward 49 

VI. Our Lay Office-Bearers — Their 

Field of Action 56 

VII. The Official and His Presiding 

Elder 71 

VIII. General Hints from Various 

Sources 84 



OUR LAY OFFICE-BEARERS. 



I. THEIR CALLING. 



The unsalaried officers of the Church are 
providentially called. There could be no 
organized effort without them; Responsi- 

, ., £ blllty from 

hence they are a necessary factor Above, 
in Church life. The duties imposed upon 
them consume but a fraction of their time. 
Nevertheless, the voice of the Church is the 
call of God. Once elected, and the office 
accepted, the obligation of official laymen is 
relatively as sacred as that of the ministry. 
The responsibility of officials elected or ap- 
pointed over the visible business of the 
7 



8 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

Church is as truly from above as if they 
were formally consecrated by laying on of 
hands and prayer. In the apostolic era lay- 
men were chosen to attend to " this busi- 
ness." Hands were laid upon them, and 
they became deacons. They were related to 
the apostolic ministry somewhat as the 
Levites and their graded assistants in the 
Jewish temple to the priesthood. The 
apostles were called to give themselves con- 
tinually to prayer and the ministry of the 
Word. (Acts vi, 1-4.) But while they were 
thus called to an undivided ministry, 
Stephen and his six associate deacons, " of 
honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and 
wisdom," were as really and divinely called 
to their share of sacrifice and service. In a 
valuable sense this is true of Church officers 
to-day, and this despite errors in their selec- 
tion and even unfitness for their work. 



Their Calling. 9 

If God calls ministers to give their whole 
time exclusively to spiritual labors, he calls 
the rest of the Church to provide for their 
support and sustenance. This he secures 
through the organization of the laity. There 
are, of course, peculiar elements in the call 
to the ministry, or priesthood, which none 
can dispute; yet there is also a solemn, a 
special and divine weight of responsibility 
upon the laity in office. They are the 
leaders of the people, and sustain a, vital 
relation to the body of the Church. Be- 
cause their service is partial and occasional, 
it is none the less important and sacred. 
Nor is it less because no salary attaches to 
the office. Conscience, not money, ought 
to make men faithful, prompt, Conscience 

versus 

and honest. Why should not Money. 
the steward or leader be as reliable for the 
work of visiting the members of his class as 



10 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

the assessor the citizens of his voting pre- 
cinct ? Why should not a trustee of church 
property make his stated report and interest 
himself in degree as reliably as a county 
treasurer or commissioner? Why should 
not a Sunday-school teacher appear as regu- 
larly and promptly in her place for Jesus' 
sake as the day-school teacher who is paid 
for it? Shall covetousness outdo con- 
science ? Is the love of money stronger to 
draw or drive than the love of souls? Do 
not the frequent neglect of official Church 
meetings, and the carelessness in managing 
Church business justify this severe infer- 
ence? 

We fear that a slumbering or seared con- 
science is the cause of habitual disregard of 
duty by those elected to places of trust in 
the Church. If so, we should prayerfully 



Their Calling. 11 

awake, or radically modify our plan of 
Church government. 

Whether trustees of property, or guar- 
dians of character, officials and teachers in 
the Church owe it to themselves and their 
brethren to be as faithful at least as hire- 
lings. If not, it is a question whether they 
should expect continuance in office. When 
employees shirk or slight their appoint- 
ments, they justly expect rebuke or dis- 
charge. Indeed, there is no reason to de- 
mand greater fidelity on the part of pastors 
and missionaries wholly employed in Chris- 
tian work, than of those who voluntarily 
accept a partial service as officers or occa- 
sional teachers. Temple service, Ungrudging 
whether it pertains to the dust- Demanded. 
cloth, the collection baskets, or the choir- 
books, is all a holy calling. It is no more 



12 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

to be indifferently performed than any pub- 
lic trust where bonds or vows are legally de- 
manded as a surety for good behavior and 
fidelity. " Cursed be he that doeth the 
work of the Lord negligently," is the awful 
thunderbolt of God against careless official 
workers in his vineyard. If the pew shall 
demand fidelity in the pulpit and pastorate, 
shall not the same standard of faithfulness 
be required on the part of the laity in all 
our unsalaried but honored officers of the 
Church ? God justly asks at our hands a 
holy and ungrudging service. It pays well 
to give it, for " His reward is with him, and 
his recompense before him." 

Our works are our offerings, and bear the 
same relation to religion as Jewish sacrifices 
did under the old dispensation. To despise 
or underrate our calling to official duty is 
to despise Christ the Head of the Church. 



Their Calling. 13 

This is indeed a serious if not fatal offense. 
"And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy 
name ? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine 
altar; and ye say, Wherein have God's 
we polluted thee? In that ye carelessness 
say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. 
And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it 
not evil ? And if ye offer the lame and 
sick, is it not evil ? Offer it now to thy 
governor; will he be pleased with thee, or 
accept thy person ? saith the Lord of hosts. 
. . . Ye said also, Behold, what a weari- 
ness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith 
the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that 
which was torn, and the lame and sick. 
. . . Should I accept this of your hands? 
saith the Lord." (Malachi i, 7-13.) 

Herein we see the divine estimate of those 
having custody of official duty in the Church 
who minify the duty of temple drudgery ; 



14 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

who weary in the thankless tasks of taking 
collections, gathering money, or repairing 
the sanctuary. The Lord grieves over and 
a Lame and rebukes those who are forever 

Service, lame or behindhand in their 
work for God and his Church,; who in poli- 
tics or business are prompt, enterprising, 
and trustworthy, but who leave Church 
matters to the last, or lamely perform their 
tasks in a heartless way, which shows how 
secondary Christ's business stands in their 
thought. "Whether " stewards of the mys- 
teries of God," or stewards of Church funds, 
" it is required in stewards that a man be 
found faithful." 

One of the most successful farmers we 
have known attributed his success to the 
habit of giving his own affairs first place. 
He was obliging to his neighbors and visi- 
tors ; but his own crops must first be looked 



Their Calling. 15 

after before he would accommodate others. 
This is the universal policy of success in the 
world. In the Kingdom of Christ, He must 
have the pre-eminence in all things. The 
Church's welfare is Christ's chief The Lord's 
concern. It is well to trust ill F | rst# 
God; but he should be able to trust us a 
little — "For unto every one that hath shall 
be given, and he shall have abundance : but 
from him that hath not, shall be taken away 
even that which he hath. And cast ye the 
unprofitable servant into outer darkness: 
there shall be weeping and gnashing of 
teeth." 



n. THEIR CHARACTER. 



Gkaktikg that some are divinely called 
to be officers in the Church, we may well 
assume that they are to be qualified for 
the positions they fill. Laymen are called 
to semi-spiritual burdens of the temple serv- 
ice. It should not, however, be inferred 
that a semi-religious or secular grade of 
character will suffice. This business of the 
Church demands as upright and devout men 
as the ministry. It seems almost assumed 
in our Discipline that, while stewards are to 
be chosen because men of " solid piety," 
trustees and other officials, or teachers, may 
be men of doubtful or average godliness. 
16 



Their Character. 17 

This is not God's thought, nor apostolic 
precedent. For we read in Acts (chapter 
vi) that " in those days when the A Divine 

7 J Pattern for 

number of the disciples was mul- Officials. 
tiplied, there arose a murmuring of the 
Grecians against the Hebrews, because their 
widows were neglected in the daily minis- 
trations. Then the Twelve called the mul- 
titude, and said, It is not reason that we 
should leave the Word of God, and serve 
tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out 
among you seven men of honest report, full 
of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we 
may appoint over this business.' 5 Accord- 
ingly they chose Stephen and his six asso- 
ciates. This was the first " Official Board " 
of the Christian Church. Splendid samples 
and models they are. Very similar in pat- 
tern to these were the men chosen by Moses, 
at the suggestion of Jethro, to be rulers and 



18 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

judges over the people. "Thou shalt pro- 
vide out of all the people able men such as 
fear God, men of truth, hating covetous- 
ness. And let them judge the people at 
all seasons; and it shall be, that every great 
matter they shall bring unto thee, but every 
small matter they shall judge; so shall it be 
easier for thyself and they shall bear the 
burden with thee/ 5 (Exodus xviii, 21, 22.) 
These officials were men of "honest 
report." They were "well indorsed" by 
Make the their brethren. They had reli- 
JP 1 ^!!!* ° f u able habits, and were free from 

the Church J 

First-class. W arts and excrescences of care- 
lessness or financial looseness. They may 
have had in mind Ananias, a good enough 
Church-member, but a poor accountant in 
reckoning up the price of land. Some are 
honest in the disbursement of funds who 
totally disregard their official or personal 



Their Character. 19 

obligation to pay just claims of minister or 
missionary. Because the funds do not easily 
come to hand, excuse is made and payment 
defaulted. This, too, when heroic giving 
or diligent collecting would provide ample 
amounts for all calls. Such a course is too 
often equivalent to dishonesty, or leads to 
it. This is the ground of the worldling's 
verdict who sarcastically warns us against 
the validity of a Church debt. The Church 
is suffering in business circles because of 
these habits among officials. With many, 
"slow pay," "no pay," and "part pay" 
are equally disgraceful. Indeed, the first is 
often the cause of the other two. When 
Church dues are paid as promptly and 
surely as first-class business firms pay their 
debts, then will the Church have high-grade 
credit. Ours is an institution of supreme 
dignity. Is not Christ greater than Caesar ? 



20 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

If all were done in the name of our Master, 
and as he would do it, would not our relig- 
ious debts be as sacredly honored as taxes 
for the support of civil government? Is 
not the gospel ministry worth more to so- 
ciety than civil statutes or officers of the 
law ? The Church official who, by example or 
consent, suffers the financial obligations of 
his Church to drop in the market, or be can- 
celed by a passing calendar, thereby permits 
the Bible and pulpit to be dragged to the 
same low level of unreliability. Thus is our 
Christian influence weakened, or destroyed. 
Hence the need of men of "honest report/' 
Safety as well as sincerity, good ethics as 
well as great devotion, are essential qualifi- 
cations for office-holding in the Church of 
Christ. 

The face of the clock should be in har- 
mony with its profession as a correct time- 



Their Character. 21 

keeper. For sake of decency and reputa- 
tion, these surface defects must be over- 
come. To this end counsel, and Fixthe 
even moral surgery, should be Clock. 
welcomed for the destruction of faults 
which dim the official headlights of our 
Zion. Happy and honorable that official 
who courts and welcomes remedies for his 
inefficiency. 

But " wisdom" must be added to honesty. 
The use of proper means must be adopted 
to secure laudable ends. Pente- wisdom 
costal officials were full of wis- wm W | n . 
dom. Some have natural aptitude for bring- 
ing things to pass. They know when to 
begin, and how to proceed. Others are 
helpless and defective in the discharge of 
important trusts. Wisdom is both gracious 
and natural. " The fear of the Lord is the 
beginning of wisdom," but not the end 



22 Our Lat Office-Bearers. 

thereof. "The meek will he guide in judg- 
ment, and the meek will he teach his way." 
" If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of 
God, that giveth to all men liberally and 
upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." 
This quality of character should not only be 
respected in the selection of officials ; it may 
be increased in those who lack it as cer- 
tainly as Solomon received wisdom when he 
sought it unselfishly for the control of his 
realm. 

Procrastination is one path to bank- 
ruptcy. Excessive credit and poor collec- 
tions bring on the same result. The Church 
demands the wisest business methods to be 
found. He who would serve the Lord well 
in official harness must be diligent in busi- 
ness and fervent in spirit. He must pray, 
and he must hustle. He shall know how 



Their Character. 23 

to do who works to win and waits on God. 
Alas ! that the children of the world should 
be wiser in their generation than the chil- 
dren of light. It need not be so. 

The make of a clock is more essential 
than its appearance. So wisdom, both nat- 
ural and gracious, should be implored and 
demanded in those who lead class and direct 
Church finance. We shall have more sense, 
and better, when we shall pray more and 
lift up an available Scripture standard of 
character for all. 

Not less deserving of approval than the 
foregoing quality is " faith," which also was 
found in Stephen in its fullness. 
A holy conceit and confidence Officials. 
that whatever ought to be done can be done 
is vital to success. Abounding faith in God 
makes the trusting toiler enthusiastic at the 



24 Our Lay Office-bearers. 

start and patient to the finish. Such wn- 
cials find a charm in drudgery. They weary 
not in well-doing. They are clocks which 
are daily wound up by prayer, as the regu- 
lator is set by wire from the observatory, 
and wound up by a self-winding dynamo in 
its heart. Such officials are not discour- 
aged and ready to resign in presence of 
complaint and deficiencies. Difficulties in- 
struct, but never defeat them. Faith in its 
fullness conquers all. Church officials need 
it often more than pastors. Indeed unbe- 
lief among office-bearers gives a like tone to 
the pulpit, and causes the pendulum of pas- 
toral action to swing feebly. One or two 
men of a Church, if surcharged with faith 
divine, can work out, talk up, and pray 
down almost miracles of victory. They are 
an advance guard to all enterprise. 

The crowning excellence of our model 



Their Character. 25 

official is the " fullness of the Holy Ghost." 
He may have a measure, but not the full- 
ness of the Spirit. Whether distributing 
alms or giving Bible instruction, all will be 
defective, if not destructive, without the 
unction of pentecostal grace. Its Power of 
absence will leave the heart weary the Spirit. 
even in success, and unacceptable in pres- 
ence of empty praise. The power of the 
Spirit is the mainspring of the soul. This 
alone insures perpetual motion in the thank- 
less routine of Church business, gives rest 
from the strife of tongues, and gilds trifles 
with the glory of immortality. 

When shall we see a common standard of 
piety for pastor and his officials the rule of 
the Church ? Then would "equal Pentecostal 

, . . . ,, . Leaders 

lay representation m our gov- succeed. 
ernmental assemblies be more consistently 
urged. But where social prestige or wealth 



26 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

are made a substitute for unction, faith, 
wisdom and honor, we may expect little else 
than reproach or defeat. The Church will 
be as weak in her benevolent enterprises as 
sbfc it ivorldly in her leadership. 



III. THEIR DUTIES. 



We have already seen that the Scriptures 
require of our Church officials that they be 
"men of honest report, full of mn he| 
the Holy Ghost and wisdom." Revivals. 
They must be not religious only, but spir- 
itual. If so, they will be interested, first of 
all, in the spiritual welfare of the Church. 
Its success on this line will be more their 
concern than mere financial prosperity. 
They will, therefore, encourage, both from 
impulse and necessity, a spiritual ministry, 
aggressive revivals, and all plans to secure 
the salvation of souls. They will attend 
and indorse the revival, and will delight to 
27 



28 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

see converts growing steadfast and strong. 
With such men all business meetings will 
have significance. They will be worth at- 
tending because they make for the piety, 
the standing, and the progress of the whole 
Church. 

The useful layman in office will regularly 
read his own Church paper. He can not 

win Read afford not to take it. His An- 
Literature. nua l Conference Minutes will be 
found in his home. He will thus keep in 
warm touch with preachers. He will also 
gain from, all possible sources an intelligent 
appreciation of the benevolent, educational, 
and revival events of his day. He will, 
further, be familiar with the latest edition 
of his Church Discipline. He will often 
review its prescribed vows and duties. He 
will no more ignore its orders than a rail- 
road employee the bulletins from his super- 



Their Duties. 29 

intendent. As a Methodist, he will value 
his Bible and hymn-book. 

An exemplary official will set such an ex- 
ample in church-going as would not be a 
reproach if adopted by all the membership. 
He will not habitually absent An 

, . ,, - . , . Exemplary 

himself from evening preaching, official. 
nor totally from the Sunday-school, the 
Epworth League, the prayer or the class 
meeting. While the Church is organized, 
he will indorse both the order and the de- 
partments of service, though he may have 
just reason for irregular attendance upon 
many meetings. His fidelity will waive 
personal preferences in the interest of all 
classes. Hence he will respect superior 
authority, deferring always and agreeably 
to the legal majority among his brethren. 
For it is well known that there is one an- 
noyance greater than the official absentee — 



30 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

it is the chronic objector. He is sometimes 
too valuable to lose, and too troublesome to 
keep. May his shadow disappear! 

There are enough joint duties of our offi- 
cials to justify loyal attendance upon all 

Official official meetings of our growing 

Duties ^. 1 . 

imperative. Church. This is especially true 
since much more than formerly is local 
Church business done by the Official Board 
and the Quarterly Conference. Each officer 
should share a part of the care of his col- 
leagues. Trustees owe it to help the stew- 
ards, while these in turn should gladly cheer 
the class-leaders and Sunday-school superin- 
tendent. Each department is somewhat de- 
pendent on the other. 

Particular duties develop in the discus- 
sions of these meetings. Those who by 
neglect or false estimates of the importance 
of a particular session frequently remain 



Their Duties. 31 

away, soon form a habit of indifference, and 
become officially obscured. This is fatal and 
unfortunate both for the society and the 
incumbent; for occasional items of busi- 
ness often become vital. Partial action as 
to bills, repairs, plans, programs, licences, 
reports, services, etc., become the occa- 
sion for dissension or criticism by absentees. 
Responsibility is unjustly cast upon the few, 
while both blame and burden are shifted 
where they do not belong. Natural leaders 
will be used somewhere. Other organiza- 
tions than the Church rush in for a share of 
attention. If the Lord's work is given a 
second place by neglect, it will soon take 
the back seat from necessity. Social clamor 
of other societies will crowd out the Church's 
claim, and fill us with forgetfulness or with 
excuses. The good may be the foe of the 
best. He who makes a Church meeting the 



32 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

rival or subordinate of other engagements, 
degrades his Church below the conscience 
level, and beneath the Scriptural level. 
Spiritual decline or alienation, alas! follows 
too soon. The worse conquers the better. 
The club supplants the prayer-room, and 
social life tramples the robes of religion. 

The common custom of monthly business 

meetings is a wise one. Even in rural dis- 

A Monthly tricts there should be such a 

Business . . „ . .. . . .. , 

Meeting, meeting for every individual 
Church. The Quarterly Conference for the 
whole charge, or circuit, justly claims the 
presence of every layman honored with offi- 
cial position in Methodism. Even where 
there is little or no formal business, the offi- 
cial Conference is not unimportant, and 
should not be so treated. It may wisely be 
devoted to spiritual fellowship and prayer. 
It is a council of ways and means. Too 



Their Duties. 33 

often there is little to do merely because we 
do nothing and care less. Spending neither 
valuable thought nor time on Church affairs, 
is it any wonder that in the congregation 
things drag on at a shameful pace ? If the 
regular program or disciplinary order calls 
out nothing, bring up things which do de- 
serve talk and attention. There is much of 
abiding interest to every Church in town or 
country. There are ecclesiastical weeds to 
be pulled, fences to be built, and brush to 
be burned in every neighborhood. Think 
of these, and others. The music of the 
Church, how is it managed ? Is the sing- 
ing lively and attractive ? What about 
hymnals, choir, organ, instruments, etc. ? 
What of current expenses? Are our meth- 
ods being creditably worked ? Who are de- 
linquent, and why ? Compare our methods 
and credit with others. What organiza- 



84 Oub Lay Office-Beakers. 

tions, and how improved or dispensed with ? 
What of the Sunday-school, our libraries, 
young people's societies, entertainments, 
instruction, etc.? Home and family re- 
Subjects ligion, the parsonage, the pastor's 
Counsel, methods and burdens, ushering 
and entertaining strangers, vacation supply, 
temperance, the benevolences, licensing 
young men to preach, discouragements, 
and how to meet them, coming Conferences, 
conventions, hospitality, elections, civil 
problems and local politics, prayer and 
class meetings, revivals, public complaints, 
private rumors, etc.? Are not all these 
worth considering in turn ? Any or several 
of them could be made a theme of valuable 
discussion by officials of every grade and ex- 
perience. Nor should counsel about these 
matters be postponed until some emergency 
compels us to give them attention. 



Their Duties. 35 

An official class or prayer meeting would 
of itself bring large returns, and be no 
waste. To refer these subjects Looking 
to the pulpit, or to the pastor Things. 
and his three select and sometimes sleepy 
disciples, is not a worthy treatment of a 
cause deserving in all honor our loyal sup- 
port. Daily cabinet meetings and weekly 
municipal councils are often the order, es- 
pecially in war or seasons of special enter- 
prise. Ours is a perpetual warfare. We cry 
out, ''Attention, guards!'' to things essen- 
tial. Trifles involve the destiny of souls, 
and are greater than they seem. A discour- 
aged heart, a delinquent bill, a false rumor, 
a thoughtless insult, a careless sexton, a 
broken window, a foolish fuss, a pastoral 
blunder, a lazy teacher, may each or all 
involve a Church in doom or disgrace. 
" Things which accompany salvation" must 



36 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

not and dare not be neglected. Hence no 
meeting is unimportant. That official who 
does not see reason for forethought, and 
sacrifice sufficient to attend his monthly 
and quarterly meetings, even though he 
be not chairman or secretary, is scarcely 
worthy of re-election, to say nothing of 
promotion. 

Perhaps pastors are to blame in minify- 
ing these regular business meetings of Offi- 
The Ke to c ^ Board and Quarterly Confer - 
Success. ence. We make them irregular, 
begin them late, yield them to every social 
or personal convenience, or so announce 
them as to beget indifference or disrespect. 
When the official meetings are made as vital 
a plan of Church-work as the meetings of a 
board of directors to a bank, then will our 
gospel angels shake off much of the dust of 
dishonor, spread broader wings, and fly with 



Their Duties. 37 

the speed of conquest. Since the officers 
lead the whole membership, their fidelity to 
duty determines the enthusiasm and success 
of the whole Church army. If weak and 
occasional in official service, the private 
soldiers will lag or retreat in private duty. 
The key of destiny is in our office-bearer's 
hand. 



IV. THEIE SPECIFIC CARE. 



The care of Church property is a sacred 

trust. The assumption of this office is that 

Trustees: the "not less than three nor 

Their Duty. m()re ^^ nine „ ^^ trusteeg 

shall protect and promote the interests of 
their intrusted property as wisely and care- 
fully as if under bonds, or the personal 
owners of the realty in trust. If so, the 
title must be secured according to the 
Discipline. Eecords of their proceedings 
should be preserved, and continuously kept 
in proper form. The frequent examination 
of deeds and other book entries should not 
be overlooked. Insurance policies should 
be watched as upon our own homes. Mort« 



Their Specific Care. 39 

gages should be avoided, or kept within 
easy reacho Repairs on church and parson- 
age should be maintained on a par with the 
better property in the neighborhood. Ac- 
cordingly, shattered glass, shabby belfry, 
weather-beaten doors, broken furniture 5 dan- 
gerous flues, or dilapidated fences should 
awaken talk, and turn every trustee into 
an exhorter and solicitor. This is not the 
business of any society in the Church. The 
trustees legally supervise all funds not in- 
cluded for ministerial support. An annual 
report of the value and condition of Church 
property, expenses, etc., is an imperative 
and interesting duty never to be slighted. 

A careless or grouty sexton is a fit subject 
for rebuke or discharge. Reports to the 
Quarterly Conference, as well as attendance 
upon the same, is demanded by every con- 
sideration of courtesy and loyalty. 



40 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

In building churches and improving 

property their best combined judgment is 

Building needed. Credit is capital, and 

md U Avoid- ^ are not ^ e impaired, either by 
ins Debts, extravagance or by poor financial 
methods. All moneys should be invested 
safely, and the income applied promptly to 
the purposes designed. In building there are 
too many burdens thrown upon the ministry 
by excessive outlay or absurd architecture. 
Often these blunders are against soul-sav- 
ing. Bad ventilation, poor altar accommo- 
dations, miserable acoustics, etc., are not 
less worthy of censure than going beyond 
the " three-fourths " clause in providing for 
funds necessary to build. Avoid distressing 
debts. Hende close counsel with pastor and 
presiding elder is important. But blind 
transfer to them of delegated rights is as 
foolish as it is sometimes perilous. It is 



Their Specific Care. 41 

equally unwise to delegate the care or repair 
of a part of the church property to some so- 
ciety, the league, or other department of the 
Church. 

A regularly organized Board of Trustees 
is the first pressing need of most small 
Churches. For this organization An 
the pastor is chiefly responsible; Board. 
but every trustee should insist upon it early 
in the Conference year. The second is a 
harmony of policy in the interests of the 
religious welfare of the society. When trus- 
tees, under protest of expense or for other 
reasons, oppose pastor, leaders, or superin- 
tendent in forward religious work, or if they 
permit or thrust into the Church doubtful 
entertainments, they not only stand in their 
own light, but deepen the shadows around 
every other member of the Church. 

According to our Discipline, stewards are 



42 Ouk Lay Office-Bearers. 

to be men of "solid piety" and of "good, 
natural, and acquired abilities." Their du- 
ties, in brief, are accurately to account, 
Pious and apply, and report all moneys re- 
stewards, ceived for the ministry and the 
poor ; to inquire after the sick or distressed, 
and to report disorderly persons; to advise 
with the ministry; to attend official and 
quarterly meetings; and to furnish the ele- 
ments for the Lord's Supper. 

The simple secret of success on financial 
lines may be condensed into a few words. 
Duties of ^ e y include all Disciplinary 
stewards, plans, but are futile without con- 
science and push behind them. Make gen- 
erous estimate of amounts needful and just. 
Apportion to the membership, with sensi- 
ble allowance for objections and shrinkage. 
Notify all concerned, and keep it up. It 
will rarely suffice to leave it to mere volun- 



Their Specific Care. 43 

tary subscriptions. A standard must be 
set for the average member. The stewards 
should do it in the light of all facts. Let a 
minimum amount be named for ._, . . 

Financial 

the poorest, and the rich be Plans. 
gently constrained to give according to 
their ability. Broaden and enlarge the gen- 
erosity of the people. Sin will shrivel : you 
must develop the spirit of giving. Eecord 
receipts and expenditures with system and 
frankness. Persistently collect in person 
and through envelopes. Let stewards lead 
in giving, and always say, "We can, and 
will." Honor your promises regularly; 
and, with faith in God, the money is sure. 
Indeed, we need men more than money. 
Money will come if we can only raise men 
enough of the right sort to fill our offices. 
Failure in the steward's primary duty of 
financier makes him cowardly and ineffi- 



44 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

cient in every other department. He will 
be helpless in giving advice or in aiding the 
sick. Further, if lazy or heartless in col- 
lecting funds, he will be shy of official meet- 
ings. Delinquents who postpone or habit- 
ually neglect the support of the Church 
must be visited. Printed notices, charts, 
public announcements, may all have their 
place. But a Christian visit by the stew- 
ard will do more, if wisely made, than all 
other means of securing needful funds. 
Personal touch of stewards with the rank and 
file in our Churches is one of the shortest 
paths out of many financial embarrasments. 
Neat strips of unleavened bread, pure, un- 
fermented wine, appropriate table linen, re- 
The spectable communion ware, with 

Communion « ,, , ■ , -. -. 

Table. forethought, and early prepara- 
tion of the table for love-feast and com- 
munion occasions, are points of duty wh^h 



Their Specific Care. 45 

every pastor may justly require of his stew- 
ards. 

Faulty leadership must share the blame 
for a partial suspension of class-meetings. 
Formality and multiplied organi- ctass . 
zations are not the only causes. Leaders. 
There is time and place yet in most Method- 
ist Churches for an up-to-date class-leader. 
Many Churches have them, and more might 
grow them. Intelligent, pentecostal free- 
dom, with hearty pastoral indorsement, will 
resuscitate the class-meeting, and set it 
a-going with life and song. Personal holi- 
ness and pastoral drill of the class-leaders 
are necessary to match the times on which 
we have fallen. The Holy Spirit back of 
intelligent variety and adaptation can make 
our old class-meeting fresh and attractive 
to hungry souls. Let us make a brave, and 
it need not be a fruitless, fight to rally this 



46 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

retreating custom. A course in reading has 
been prepared for class-leaders, and should 
Their ^e a( lopted and patiently fol- 
Preparation. lowed up. But it must be sup- 
plemented by a course in grace and wisdom. 
Great-hearted, fully-saved, and Spirit-bap- 
tized leaders will entertain and hold their 
classes if they but love their calling and 
give themselves to it. They should accept 
counsel and welcome hints from their mem- 
bers, and every other source. Method is 
less essential than power, tact, brevity, 
unction, promptness, faithfulness, and love. 
Nevertheless, forms and precedents must be 
honored. The testimony of the saints must 
be retained. Open lips keep the soul warm. 

Superintendents and League Presidents. 

The former are called to promote Scrip- 
tural instruction, the latter to advance piety 



Their Specific Care. 47 

among the young. The Sunday-school and 
Epworth League can be revitalized only by 
fresh energy at the head. Isola- Qood 
tion, independence, and a lack of Le ^ ) < J. e ou r ,p 
the evangelistic spirit are our Youth. 
perils. These must be soul-winning as well 
as educational forces. Hence these officer* 
in particular should be leaders and experts 
in soul-winning. Frequent reports and 
counsel with committees and officials will 
unify and enlist the influence of older people 
in essential lines of work. The Sunday- 
school and League must be a unit in evan- 
gelistic efforts and Bible study. The Sun- 
day-school superintendent and president of 
the Epworth League are the storage batter- 
ies of our young people's machinery. May 
good ones multiply! The opportunity of 
Methodism is in the field of youth. Doc- 
trinal intelligence, loyalty, and revival zeal 



48 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

may best be promoted here. In no other 
places should leadership be more carefully 
guarded. We need harvesters more than 
seed-sowers to-day. " Pray ye therefore the 
Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth 
laborers into his harvest." 

A school for Church officers would be a 
boon indeed. We have an army now; we 
Helps for need drilled captains. Their bur- 
Officers. dens are heavy and discourage- 
ments many. They should have sympathy 
and prayer, rather than censure. They 
need kind words and much grace to make 
them as loyal to a faulty pastor as to a pop- 
ular one; as faithful under fire as in a 
tide of progress. The Quarterly Conference 
which creates these officers should foster, 
train, and encourage them. The Comforter 
waits to soothe and bless. Then will his 
yoke be easy and his burden light 



V. THEIE TRIALS AND 
REWARD. 



All public servants are subject to severe 
and frequent trials. The discouragements 
of unsalaried officials are the Trials 
greater strain, because nothing secutions. 
but the rewards of a good conscience can 
atone for the pain of persecution or censure. 
Politicians may endure insult for promo- 
tion or pay, and the business man for prof- 
its, but the Church official must keep sweet 
and polite for the sake of Christ and the 
brethren. Hence, good nature and a heart 
full of grace and patience are always in de- 
mand. 

These trials too often proceed, as in 
4 49 



50 Our Lay Office-Beakers. 

Stephen's case, from " certain of the syna- 
gogue," who were given to dispute. Happy 
for those who, having his "wisdom and 
spirit," are able to withstand the wind and 
tide of misrepresentation! Blessed that 
officer who can take enough pleasure in his 
work neither to procrastinate nor neglect 
his tasks! It is heartbreaking to be mis- 
understood and censured after sincere and 
faithful service. But such was Christ's lot. 
Like a soldier's peril, it is what we bargain 

Their ^ 0T a ^ ^ e s * ar ^- ^ should be 
Source, welcomed, rather than bemoaned. 
"If," says Peter, "when ye do well and 
suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is ac- 
ceptable to God." 

Of Stephen, our first martyr and model 
layman, it is written that he did "great 
wonders and miracles among the people." 
But when we study the records we find no 



Their Trials and Reward. 51 

miracles, though the wonders meet us at 
every look. It is a wonder to see the 
" spirit and wisdom " with which, in temple 
and street, he meets the murmurings and 
disputes of the populace. It is a wonder to 
behold him in the council, before false wit- 
nesses, looking "like an angel." He must 
have felt like one in his soul. He had the 
mind of Christ. It is no easy work to 
silence the poor, the bitter Pharisee, and 
the blind fault-finder. Stephen, with his 
soul full of kindness, and his lips dripping 
with Scripture truth, shows us how it can 
all be done. His eyes sparkled with elo- 
quence, while his hands were full of busi- 
ness. He preached Jesus, crowning the 
truth with his testimony. Yet, Hard 
how cruel that they should Work. 
"gnash on him with their teeth!" His 
opposers were "cut to the heart." A faith- 



52 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

ful steward often carries the sting of re- 
buke to a selfish or sordid soul. The class- 
leader who reaches the conscience of his 
careless or worldly member may sometimes 
expect little short of complaint or stones. 
Be not discouraged. A shower of stones on 
your head may mean a shower of blessings 
on other souls. Your "labor is not in vain 
in the Lord." The Holy Spirit within the 
toiler's heart will gild every task with the 
light of promise. Better the honor of doing 
common, every-day things, in a divinely 
wonderful manner, than the glory of work- 
ing miracles. 

There is a reward for such service, though 
Faithful given without salary. Stephen's 
Service p ra y er mU st have risen loud and 
Reward, strong for the young man who 
held the clothes of those who stoned him. 
When a little later we read of Saul's con- 



Their Trials and Reward. 53 

version, and of the conscience-sting from 
the memory of this event, we are forced to 
conclude that the dying prayer of Stephen 
produced the apostle to the Gentiles. 

Again, we read that on the death of 
Stephen arose "a great persecution against 
the Church," and " they that were scattered 
abroad went everywhere preaching the 
Word." Philip had a sweeping revival in 
Samaria. The Ethiopian convert carried in 
his chariot a flaming heart into Africa ; and 
thus gospel firebrands were scattered by 
the dying hand of Stephen over all Asia 
Minor and Egypt. His official career lasted 
but a few months, but who will say he 
wrought in vain? He taught s hen , s 
the Christian world how to pre- Triumph, 
pare for disputes^ and how to do business 
for God. Erom him we learn how to for- 
give our foes 3 and how to beget our sueces- 



54 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

sors through prayer. In him we see when 
to witness for Jesus, and how to fall asleep 
in death. As a weary pilgrim perfumes 
himself for a pleasant entrance to a banquet 
hall, he leaves official honors for a martyr's 
crown. Such glory is not too bright for 
even a brief term of such model service. 

Like honor and usefulness await the 
official who welcomes office, not for praise 
or power, but as an opportunity divinely 
given ; who is content to stay in office while 
he seeks not the monopoly of honor at the 
expense of coming workmen, and who gladly 
yields his place to even a weaker successor. 
If our Government can present a medal with 
five hundred dollars in gold to each of 
Dewey's men at Manila, shall not heaven's 
court applaud and reward the patient and 
unpaid protectors of the walls of our Zion? 

Truly, the inheritance of the Levites is 



Their Trials and Reward. 55 

not abolished; their reward is sure. If they 
seek not to absorb or usurp authority; if 
they refuse not counsel ; if they betray not 
their trust, and block not their Lord's 
chariot; if they esteem not lightly their 
honor, then shall God exalt the Church at 
the hand and by the help of her officials. Our 
office-bearers shall become torch-bearers ; 
and thus, becoming soul-winners, they shall 
share the glory of the ministry, and become 
bright crown-wearers in the great and final 
day. 



VI. THEIR FIELD OF ACTION. 



Methodism, more than any other relig- 
ious denomination, furnishes the, fullest op- 
portunity to all her laity. Male and female, 
young and old, official and private member, 
may find full scope for the exercise of their 
grace and gifts. The field of action for 
each and all is to be found in (1) The Or- 
ganizations; (2) The Councils; (3) The En- 
terprises of the Church. 

1. The Sunday-school. 

At the front among the organizations of 

the Church is the Sunday-school. Its head is 

the superintendent, though the pastor must 

ever be recognized as commander-in-chief 

56 



Their Field of Action. 57 

of all the organizations within the Church. 
The Sunday-school is a part of the Church, 
not independent of it. The su- The Su 
perintendent is nominated by the intendent. 
Sunday-school Board, but confirmed, and 
virtually elected, by the Quarterly Confer- 
ence. The superintendent ought to be the 
pastor's right-hand and best man. He 
should be a man of high repute, deep 
piety, and much good sense. He should 
love the Lord, the child, and the Bible. 
He should have open eyes, a big heart, and 
a progressive spirit. The type of character 
produced in the school depends much on 
the superintendent. His associate officers 
and teachers should share his responsibility 
and harmonize with his plans. The whole 
Official Board should help bear his burdens. 
Each official of the Church owes a duty 
to the Sabbath-school, and by his kindly 



58 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

thought can make or unmake, help or hin- 
der the superintendent. The type of gen- 
erosity, intelligence, faith, and loyalty af- 
fecting the whole Church is largely begotten 
in the Sunday-school. The alienation of 
the Sunday-school from the public congre- 
gation is too often traceable to the absence 
or indifference of the other official mem- 
bers. Cheer, counsel, and support the Sun- 
day-school superintendent and his board of 
teachers and officers. They need you. You 
need them. 

Nothing is more painful than to see a 
superintendent of a large Church of sen- 
a Sad s ^ e an( l pi° us adults struggling 
Spectacle. f or i ac k f teachers, sympathy, 
money, or support. As well try to run a 
Church without light and fuel. No wonder 
our children slip from our grasp, or that 
the Bible slips from them. Every official 



Their Field of Action. 59 

ought to pull, push, or scotch the Sunday- 
school wagon. It may thus become a soul- 
saving and educational center, second to no 
other in the Church. 

2. The Ep worth League. 

This latest child of our prayers is worthy 
official patronage. It must have it, or be- 
come a premature dwarf or prodigal. The 
young people must not be wholly separated 
from the old, nor should the young blood 
in the Epworth League of the Church be 
excluded from the official roster. The pres- 
ident of the League is confirmed, and prac- 
tically appointed and indorsed, by the Quar- 
terly Conference. Every official, therefore^ 
owes this organization something of support 
and cheer. The occasional or frequent 
presence of official members would do much 
to prevent isolation, independence, or de- 



60 Our Lay Office-Beakers. 

cline. The president and his cabinet bear 
great responsibility. They have a splendid 
chance to utilize and mold an influential 
crowd for Christ. The president is a mem- 
ber of the Quarterly Conference by ap- 
proval, and can easily enlist these brethren 
and sisters in the League. They in turn can 
speak a good word, inquire often of its wel- 
fare, congratulate or suggest, visit and pray 
for, and thus forge a bond of union which 
will prove a permanent blessing to the whole 
Church. 

3. The Class-Meeting. 

Often regarded as an organization of con- 
venience for a few persons of pious temper- 
A Place ament, it ought to be looked upon 

for All _ . 

Officials. as a reserve dynamo of power. 
Whenever recognized at all, its existence 
should be supported as a valuable and vital 



Their Field of Action. 61 

phase of Methodist life. Eeports of class- 
leaders and respectful comment and encour- 
agement is the duty of every office-bearer. 
What if each officer of the Church would 
adopt a rule of visiting class-meetings and 
other organizations of his Church at regular 
intervals, showing sympathy for, and com- 
forting fellow burden-bearers ! What spirit 
and life would come to the whole body ! A new 
era would dawn, and all would be happy and 
hopeful. We smother some fires, and put 
others out by neglecting them. Carry a lit- 
tle kindling-wood with you, please, and help 
keep up the flame of godly zeal. 

4. The Ladies* Aid Society. 

In many Churches this society is doing a 
good work. Though not officially recog- 
nized, they are socially and financially re- 
lied on, and might be made a spiritual 



62 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

feeder of many if properly encouraged. 
Give the faithful sisters credit for all their 
Help efforts and enterprise. Many 
Women, women at ease can do something 
useful through this society that will prepare 
the way for more spiritual action. 

5. Missionary Societies. 

There is the Woman's Foreign and the 

Woman's Home Missionary Societies, as well 

... . as Deaconess Bands. Guilds, etc., 

Missionary > 9 f 

Zeal. a u f w hich offer a chance to 
every woman of the Church to labor and 
learn of our connectional work. The offi- 
cers of these societies should occasionally be 
invited to the Official Board meetings to re- 
port their work. Their burdens might thus 
be lightened, and their sphere greatly en- 
larged, to the advantage of all and the detri- 
ment of none. Every woman of the Church 



Their Field of Action. 63 

could do some special work. If each official 
brother should become an honorary member 
of the women's societies, closer fellowship 
would soon insure a larger intelligence and 
co-operation in every department of Church 
life. 

What is said above may be justly empha- 
sized with reference to the officers of the 
Junior League, Brotherhoods, Eeading Cir- 
cles, Praying Bands, and every legitimate 
organization of the people. If at all worthy 
of existence and pastoral indorsement, these 
societies and their officers are worthy of 
support. If any becomes superflous, let it 
be officially dispensed with in a kindly man- 
ner, until some other phase of activity be 
substituted. 

The regular councils of the Church fur- 
nish the leading field for official operation 
and service. 



64 Our Lay Office-bearers. 

1. Leaders and Stewards* Meeting. 

The Discipline gives this original and 
smaller council of Methodism a place of 
importance. In many cases it is not sup- 
planted by the Official Board. It inquires 
after the sick, the needy, the disorderly, the 
negligent, the probationers, changes in the 
classes, candidates for license to preach, and 
pastoral support. The leaders and stewards 
have much to do in revising the membership 
list and inaugurating reforms touching the 
religious tone of the Church. This cabinet 

A Very of counselors is vital to the pas- 
Important . ,, , . ••i.ii 
Council. ^ or m a -U nis spiritual plans. 

Eegular meetings afford excellent opportu- 
nity to get acquainted with the real spirit- 
ual condition of the Church membership. 
This meeting may be a department of 
health, of mercy and help, or of spiritual 



Their Field of Action. 65 

life and progress. Its recommendations to 
the Quarterly Conference or Official Board 
would have great weight. Every steward 
and leader should prize his opportunity and 
stand vigorously by every call to such coun- 
cils with the pastor. 

2. Official Board Meetings, 

It is the permanent council of the pastor 
in permanent session, though under regular 
or special call. It should be held once a 
month. The planning of religious, finan- 
cial, or social enterprises, improvements, 
methods of work, are all of essential im- 
portance to every pastoral charge. This 
can best be accomplished in the Official 
Board, including all the trustees, stewards, 
leaders, local preachers, exhorters, Sunday- 
school superintendents, and League presi- 
dents. All these may find a supreme op- 
5 



66 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

portunity in these meetings to serve God 
and promote Christ's kingdom. The trus- 
tee should second the steward, and the 
steward should support the trustee. The 
care of property and the salvation of souls 
are closely related, as the frame and picture 
depend on each other. 

3. The Quarterly Conference. 

This is the official review hour when pre- 
siding elder, pastor, and all officials meet 
and report the whole work. Men and 
women are alike admitted, and should 
gladly accept a place in this council. With 
the presiding elder as chairman, and a voice 
and vote from every member, including the 
pastor, no more representative or conserva- 
tive body could be wished for to forward 
the interests of the Church. Here originate 
and are determined all licenses to preach, all 



Their Field of Action. 67 

delegates to District and to Annual Confer- 
ences. Without previous action cf the Quar- 
terly Conference there could be no District, 
Annual, Judicial, Lay Electoral, or even 
General Conference. It is the deciding body 
of Methodism, and calls for the wisdom, 
faith, and prayerful help of each and every 
office-bearer in the Church. It is _. _„. . , 

The Official 

the candlestick where his official Candlestick. 
light is set to shine. A severe providence 
only should justify absence from this meet- 
ing. " Men who hold official position in the 
Church who do not regularly attend, or send 
some sufficient excuse, are unworthy of their 
trust. Ordinary business is no such excuse ; 
the Church might better hire some one to do 
this private business than to have her work 
suffer from neglect/'* 



* Dryer's Manual for Church Officers. 



68 Our Lay Offioe-Bearers. 

What is here said of the Quarterly Confer- 
ence might be as truly affirmed of the Dis- 
trict and Lay Electoral Conferences, and all 
the privileges thereof. It is a great honor, 
and no less a great responsibility and gra- 
cious providence for doing good and crys- 
tallizing reform. 

The layman has come to share honors, as 
well as governmental and financial burdens, 
Priest and with the ministry. With this 
the Front, equal representation and honor 
comes equal call to piety, devotion, prompt- 
ness, and fidelity. This reaches from the 
class-leaders, League presidents, and Sun- 
day-school teacher's chair to the layman's 
seat in General Conference. The priest and 
the Levite shall bear the ark of the Lord to 
a sure resting place while the multitude in- 
variably follow with shouts of victory. 

The unorganized enterprises and activities 



Their Field of Action. 69 

of the Church call as loudly for support 
and promotion as the more formal meetings 
and machinery of the kingdom. Whether 
it be the picnic, the social gath- A|| ActlvI . 
ering, the parliamentary debate, t,es ° urs ' 
the revival, the prayer-meeting, the conven- 
tion, the institute, or the lecture course, 
there is both a claim and a call to every offi- 
cial soul in Jesus' name to enter the fight and 
share the burdens of the army of the Lord. 
Trustees and missionary officers are as much 
needed and demanded in the altar service 
of the revival meeting as in the pew of the 
public congregation, or the official seat in 
Quarterly Conferences. Whatever God in- 
dorses by his Spirit and providence, what- 
ever helps souls to Christ and usefulness, 
there the office-bearer may safely be found. 
Whatever God honors by the seal of his 
Spirit we should indorse by our influence. 



70 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

For reasons in no way reflecting upon the 
incumbent of Church offices, the honors of 
office are often lifted from one shoulder and 
placed upon another. Nothing is more un- 
fortunate than to show temper or indiffer- 
ence after being removed or dropped out of 
official station. He who is sensible and eon- 
Faithful in scientious will keep steadfast in 

Harness , . . , , 

or Out. his private harness and prove 
himself faithful for Christ's sake rather than 
for the sake of the honors of men. "How 
can ye believe who receive honor one of 
another and seek not the honor that cometh 
from God only ?" 



VI. THE OFFICIAL AND HIS 
PRESIDING ELDER. 



If there is one office in Methodism in 
danger of being discounted by our own laity 
it is the presiding eldership. 

There are special reasons for this peril. 
Other Churches have long magnified epis- 
copal supervision. Being few and far sep- 
arated from the laymen, costing little and 
being surrounded with a glamour of great- 
ness, and often advertised by the secular 
press, bishops are popular enough with all 
classes. The pastorate is recognized as a ne- 
cessity. Universal custom of the Churches 
demands its support, both for religious and 
local reasons. The pastor comes close to 
71 



72 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

the people, and forms attachments personal 
and ecclesiastical which anchor him as a 
The minister in the community. The 
Office, presiding elder is an official not 
widely adopted in the economy of other 
denominations. He is too common to be 
venerated, too far removed from the families 
to be personally attached to them, though 
important enough to be censured for his 
administration, which often involves the 
reformation of customs, or conflict of opin- 
ions that prepare the way for complaint 
— especially among cold, disloyal, or unin- 
formed members. 

The office itself is the hub of the itinerant 
Related wheel. It is the presiding elder- 
itinerancy, ship that makes the itinerancy 
an easy possibility. Without the former 
the latter would fail, or prove most ineffect- 
ive. This subbishopric is as vital in our 



Official and Presiding Elder. 73 

Methodist economy as the corresponding 
under-generalship of the army, and worth 
proportionately more to the Church. In an 
accommodated, but not greatly strained 
sense, the words of Paul to Timothy may 
be spoken to our young people, "Let the 
elders that rule well be counted worthy 
of double honor, especially they that la- 
bor in the Word and doctrine/' (1 Tim. 
v. 17.) 

The value of the presiding elder may be 
estimated under four heads: 1. 
Supervision; 2. Responsibility; 
3. Counsel; 4. Service. 

1. He must supervise, rather than oper- 
ate. This is a kind of service not always 
appreciated by the individual, but of rarest 
worth in every corporation and institution 
of religious, civil, or business circles. The 
presiding elder must execute the order of 



74 Our Lay Office-bearers. 

our Discipline. This involves both the 
moral condition and habits of pastors and 
membership. The maintenance of the dig- 
nity of order, and the prosecution of the 
various lines of work so essential in a great 
and growing Church, require much private 
correspondence and office work, as well as 
regular formal inquiries in Quarterly and 
His District Conference sessions. He 

Super- . 

vision. 1S a supervisor, not only of the 
Discipline, but of the finances. He is to 
supplement feeble methods of finance, both 
as regards pastoral claims and support, and 
stimulate methods for the success of our 
connectional work, including various benev- 
olences involving the interests of the Church 
in the ends of the earth. Especially is his 
financial judgment and spiritual enthusiasm 
needed to conserve and promote our rural 
work, which is the great feeder of all our 



Official and Presiding Elder. 75 

Churches, and the majority element in all 
our Conferences. 

2. His consequent responsibility can only 
be borne to be fully understood. He must 
decide legal questions of far-reaching im- 
port. He must direct trials when neces- 
sary, and prevent them when possible. He 
"s both a judge and counselor at law in 
ecclesiastical circles. Disputes and con- 
troversies, as to private property and pas- 
toral interests, are often submitted to his 
decision in the absence of a bishop. He 
must sometimes assume authority His 
involving destiny and the pain or sibinty, 
promotion of preachers and officials. His re- 
sponsibility, as to the location of churches, 
titles, insurance, debts, investments, be- 
quests, etc., are frequent burdens unknown 
and unfelt except by himself. To faith- 
fully rebuke the erring, warn the careless, 



76 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

correct the blundering, and duly approve 
and reward the worthy, is certainly the 
source of perplexity and cares without 
number. Higher authority and General 
Conference officers have their eyes on him, 
and are ready to call him to account for 
marked failure, in either administration or 
financial results. 

3. His counsels are sought by many, even 
from among many who talk of the elder- 
ship as the needless " fifth wheel" of our 
ecclesiastical wagon. Pastors advise with 
him, and open their hearts, or ought to do 
so. He is your preacher's pastor. He 
must help the laity by the cheer, advice, 
and inspiration to study, success and fidelity, 
which he may impart to the pulpit and the 
parsonage. Young preachers, many of 
them, get their start and stamp more from 
their presiding elder than from their col- 



Official and Presiding Elder. 77 

lege or seminary professor. If he is strong, 
spiritual, helpful, and wise, he becomes to 
his preachers both a library and a school. 
What is true of his valuable ms 

Counsels to pastors, old and Counsels. 

young, as to their habits, faith, and effi- 
ciency, is true in his relation to the influ- 
ential laymen of the Church who constitute 
his congress and cabinet. Their counsel with 
him and his interest in them should, for 
the Church's sake, be frank and unfeigned. 
He mediates between the congregation and 
the pulpit. He counsels officials, and receives 
their advice. The bishop knows little ex- 
cept what comes to him through the presid- 
ing elder. Appointments to most of the 
Churches are made through the presiding 
elders, and this makes their service perpet- 
ual in its influence and of vital import to 
every layman and family in Methodism. 



78 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

4. Much of the above is unseen and un- 
appreciated work of the most important na- 
ture. But if actual service is alone to be 
reckoned, then it is worth remembering that 
the average presiding elder preaches more 
sermons than the average pastor, two to 
one. He presides in Quarterly and other 
Conferences and conventions many times 
each month. He administers sacraments, 
both of the Lord's Supper and often of bap- 
tism, in many Churches of all grades. He is 
supposed to give extra service when asked, 
never refuse a special public address, travel 
almost daily, by all methods and in all ex* 
posures of weather, sleep in all atmospheres* 
entertain and be entertained by all elasse* 
of people, and never flag or fail to be unc- 
tuous, enthusiastic, great, and equal to any 
emergency. All this reveals not the sa- 
cred agonies of his Conference Gethsemane, 



Official and Presiding Elder. 79 

where, during cabinet sessions, he must 
crystallize his counsels and boil down his 
facts into far-reaching decisions on behalf 
of pastors beloved and people clamorous, 
until his sensitive soul, if it be not seared, 
is glad to cry out at the close of each an- 
nual session, "It is finished." In doing so 
he sweats, and sometimes nearly dies, little 
knowing whether the jibe of " Crucify him " 
or the music of "Crown him" shall next 
fall on his ears. 

A slight study of the value of a presiding 
elder's work ought to enlist, — 

1. Sympathy for Him and His Office. — 
He needs and deserves kindly help and con- 
fidence rather than cool censure. Deservcs 
He has a most difficult field of Sympathy. 
labor. Of course, he may prove careless, 
perfunctory, and heartless; but that is not 
the average result, and is the exception 



80 Oijr Lay Office-Bearers. 

rather than the rule. The standard should 
be raised, and the best results demanded. 
But a kindly compliment from pastor or 
official will do him good. Special mention 
of him in prayer or a kindly letter of ap- 
proval would not miscarry or lose its reward. 
2. A Cheerful Support. — The presiding 
elder's claim, as well as that of bishop, 
should be cheerfully and un- 
grudgingly paid. It is all earned. 
Look at the officer's pay in the army, in an 
insurance company, or in any secular insti- 
tution. Compare it with clerk hire, and 
you will see that for services rendered of 
superintendence and care, not one of them 
is overpaid as to quality or quantity of serv- 
ice given. It will pay every official to increase 
rather than discount the salary of these gen- 
erals of our Church army. Those prosper 
most who honor their superior officers. 



Official and Presiding Elder. 81 

3. Loyalty and Protection. — They should 
have this for the Church's sake. It will 
strengthen the efficiency of every 
suborganization in the Church. 

It will make better officials and more useful 
members. It will create and maintain an 
esprit de corps of inestimable value. It will 
oil every part of the machine, destroy fric- 
tion and fix an anti-rattler on every pinion 
and axle. Loyalty is the fruit of love and 
the voice of Providence. It is good citizen- 
ship in the kingdom. Loyalty to the prov- 
idence of a God-honored office will lead to 
both piety and prosperity. To please and 
defend your presiding elder is never wasted 
enterprise. 

4. Co-operation. — Optional response to 
orders in any business or civil organization 
would ruin the firm. Disregard the orders 
of a superior officer and you work the 

6 



82 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

foundation of disaster. The presiding elder 
ought not to have to command anything, 
Give Him certainly not threaten. His hint 
ation. or counsel should have the weight 
of an order. Harmony and response to a 
defective plan will bring larger results 
than independent movements by different 
Churches. A pastoral charge will soon take 
on the character indicated by the plans sec- 
onded by the support of the officials of that 
charge ; and thus a district will become con- 
spicuous for revival, educational or financial 
prosperity in proportion as published plans 
are seconded by the preachers and laity, 
especially the latter. To arrange appoint- 
ments, removals, etc., without thoroughly ad- 
vising with the presiding elder is Methodist 
folly of a high order. If you trust his offi- 
cial judgment, he will respect yours. Open 
and frank conference as to appointments by 



Official and Presiding Elder, 83 

all concerned will honor our Discipline, and 
prepare the way for submission to authority 
as well, or for the speedy correction of blun- 
ders, Congregationalism is the rending of 
the robes of our superior officers; it is the 
weakening of our system, and the beginning 
of the end. It is the carving of Ichabod's 
image on the walls of Methodism, 



VIII. GENERAL HINTS FROM 
VARIOUS SOURCES. 



The official who will not pay a minister 
he dislikes, should not dictate the appoint- 

A Balky men ^ °^ one ^ e hopes may suit 
Official, him. A balky official, like a kick- 
ing horse, is costly at any price. 

A most foolish custom is to pay a preacher 
in sauce and receipts. Especially is it dis- 
graceful to charge a country pas- 

tn Cash, tor excessive price for produce 
after mixing it up with some paltry dona- 
tion. 

No officer should complain if new blood 
is added to the Board by the election of un- 
84 



General Hints. 85 

tried, but promising, young people. A 
clannish club of officials who seek to hold 
Church business in the hands of New Blood 
a select few, or in the ruts of Board. 
faulty precedents, are a weight to any 
Church. New men and women ought to be 
introduced and trained for coming years. 

Save us from the faint-hearted collector 
who seems ashamed of his business. He 
hurries from pew to pew, almost Faint- 
with a look of apology, afraid to collectors. 
pass the collection plate or basket before 
the people lest he insult them. He expects 
nothing, and gets little. Be brave ; you are 
revenue collectors for the King. Be delib- 
erate. Look cheerful and confident. Give 
everybody a chance. 

Poor financiering is worse than poverty. 
One or two good stewards, who are friends 



86 Our Lay Office-Be akers, 

of system and progress, are worth a silver 
mine to any Church. They insure success. 
Borrowing money of your preacher, and 
Perform charging him up with the same 
Resign. on salary, is the lowest type of 
depravity. Every official, who accepts elec- ' 
tion or appointment, should serve in his 
place, report to his committee or Conference 
when called, or honorably resign his office. 
Every Church, in country and city, should 
have regular ushers, male or female, who 
shall act on the Welcome Committee. 

Procrastination is the thief of time and 
money. Early plans and early work always 
Prom t w * n# Neglect is a cousin to 
Service, robbery. The ministers are re- 
sponsible for the type of officials in the 
Church. Welcome the young official who 
is always on hand; who votes squarely; who 



General Hints. 87 

reports promptly; and who does his best 
without an everlasting apology. 

A respectable communion set, with neat 
linen, is evidence of good official taste and 
enterprise. Unleavened bread Commun- 
and unfermented wine are also ware. 
orthodox requirements, and evidence the 
sound Methodist sense of all concerned. 

All members of the Church, in good 
standing, should commune regularly. An 
unsatisfactory or broken record who 
ought not to bar the soul from a commune. 
renewal of life. Sincere heart-searching 
and penitence will mend the past, and ren- 
der the soul acceptable and the service 
pleasing to Jesus and his Church. It is a 
break -water against temptation. 

It is an act of irreverence to take the 
communion with a gloved hand. The rea- 



88 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

son is manifest. In the sacrament of the 
Lord's Supper we come near, by covenant 
Reverence and faith, to the Lord Jesus. 
Table. Every sense of propriety requires 
our removal of every hindrance between the 
soul and Savior. The courtesy of friend- 
ship and humility alike commend this cus- 
tom of early communicants, and render the 
hint of our Discipline more than a mere 
suggestion. It should be a uniform custom. 
A little forethought would add beauty and 
value to our communion services. 

If a professor of grace fails to confess, in 
a formal way, on communion occasions, he 
Cause opens the way for neglect at 
Alarm, other private and public points 
of duty. It ought to be, and is, a real oc- 
casion of alarm when members of the 
Church decline to confess Christ at the sac- 



General Hints. 89 

ramental table. It is often the opening of 
the door to further backsliding and world- 
liness. Duty performed may quickly heal 
the breach, shut the door against danger, 
and restore the joys of salvation. 

Porter, in his " Helps to Official Mem- 
bers," gives the following timely Good 

Advice to 

advice to trustees and stewards, officials. 
It deserves a wide reading: 

"Half of the children and youth belong 
to poor families, and have little acquaint- 
ance with Church officers. If noticed at 
all by them, it is often in the way of com- 
plaint. Trustees and other functionaries 
should give them special attention. ... If 
our trustees would take this course, we 
should have fewer empty Churches. Peo- 
ple don't like to go to Church to be re- 
minded, by the inattention of trustees, that 



90 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

they are not wanted. A warm recognition 
from this source would lead tens of thou- 
sands to the Church who have no place 
among us. 

" Stewards should be heroic. It is im- 
portant, though not, perhaps, surprising, 
that they sometimes get in the way of com- 
plaining, pleading poverty, and preaching 
unbelief, thinking probably that it will im- 
prove the collections. But this is a mis- 
erable way of begging. We never new a 
Church to thrive on official whining. They 
are always prophesying evil. Pious worry- 
ing is chronic with them. But this will not 
do for stewards. They must keep sunny 
and hopeful, have faith in God for all 
reasonable attainments. Heroism is in- 
spiring* A close, whining, despondent 
steward is a curse to any Church, especially 
if he is rich." 



General Hints. 91 

Recipes for Communion Bread. 

1. One pint of flour; one teaspoonful of 
baking-powder ; two teaspoonf uls of pulver- 
ized sugar; one tablespoonful of Commun- 
butter. Mix with water. Roll Recipes. 
dough, and cut into strips with a floured 
knife. Lay strips in pan so they will not 
touch. Bake in a moderate oven. 

2. Take one pint of sweet milk; four 
tablespoonfuls of sweet cream (or two of 
nice fresh lard when cream can not be ob- 
tained); half a teaspoonful of cream of 
tartar; a fourth of a teaspoonful of soda. 
Knead in flour till stiff. Eoll about three- 
eights of an inch thick, cut into strips about 
the same width, lay these a little distance 
apart on white paper, lay in baking tins, 
and bake carefully. For love-feast, bake in 
checks about half an inch square. 



92 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

3. " The whites of four eggs, well beaten; 
butter about the size of an egg; two table- 
spoonfuls of water; one teaspoonful of 
baking-powder ; a little pinch of salt. Make 
the dough a little stiffer than pie-dough, 
and beat well with rolling-pin. Roll not so 
thin as pie-crust. Stick it full of holes 
with fork, to prevent blistering. Cut in 
strips six to eight inches in length, and 
about one-half inch wide; bake in slow 
oven in pan slightly greased." 

Let the communion and love-feast table 

be prepared early. Whether in city or 

Preparing rural Churches, the steward, or 

Table, person in charge of the commun- 
ion wine and bread, should have the table 
in good and complete condition at the open- 
ing of the public service. It is an offense 
to propriety and good order to interrupt the 
service and the worshipers assembled by 



General Hints. 93 

pouring wine, spreading linen, handling 
pitchers, bottles, etc., in presence of the 
people. This blunder usually occurs to 
suit the convenience of the person in 
charge. The pastor should make careful 
inquiry beforehand to see that there is 
no misunderstanding, and that everything 
be done decently and in order. We have 
known a little neglect to spoil a whole 
communion service. Bungling or belated 
preparations, fermented wine instead of 
unfermented juice of the grape, blocks of 
leavened bread instead of suitable com- 
munion bread, uncleaned glasses or gob- 
lets, inadequate linen spread over a col- 
ored stand cover in the altar — all these, 
and similar offenses, might be averted by 
a little forethought and conversation with 
the steward in charge, or in the official 
meeting. 



94 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

Love-feast bread may be leavened, and 
should be cut in small blocks, and on sep- 
arate plates. Never should it be passed on 
the communion plates. Separate goblets, 
either silver or glass, should be used in 
passing the water in a love-feast service. 
The custom of passing water in a bowl is 
primitive, and is quite in good taste, be- 
cause significant of a common family fel- 
lowship, and union of interests. In wait- 
Serving ing on the congregation in love- 
Peopie. feasts it is in best taste to wait 
first upon the pews, the stewards or their 
substitutes being named by the pastor, and 
they returning and being seated at the front 
until all have finished, when ministers and 
officials should eat together, serving one an- 
other, and adjourning to their respective 
seats in good order. The return to the 
pews, to accommodate certain late corner^ 



General Hints. 95 

with the bread and water, is disorderly, and 
should be discouraged. A premium should 
be placed upon promptness. Avoid all 
needless embarrassment or distraction. 

Approaching the communion table calls 
for thought and discretion. Otherwise con- 
fusion and irreverence may re- Approach- 
suit. There are two extremes — Table. 
one is precipitant rush; and the other, pro- 
longed delay. As this sacrament assumes 
that all members of the Church family are 
on equality, and God is no respecter of per- 
sons, no one should unduly hesitate. Nat- 
urally enough, and with good show of 
courtesy, older members are expected first 
to respond to the invitation. A prompt re- 
sponse, sufficient to comfortably fill the 
first table, is a symptom of good spiritual 
life and loyalty. But crowding about the 



96 Our Lay Office-Bearers. 

table, in double rows of kneeling commu- 
nicants, in apparent haste and embarrass- 
ment, is in bad taste, and exceedingly in- 
convenient, as well as irreverent. Better 
wait, though for a time it be necessary to 
remain standing in the aisle. 

A custom in vogue in some localities is 
worthy of study, and has certain advantages 
to commend it, especially in larger congre- 
gations. Omitting the words of dismissal, 
whereby communicants of each table are 
made to depart at one time, the organ vol- 
untary is maintained during the entire com- 
munion. After the consecration of the ele- 
ments, and the first filling of the altar, each 
individual communicant rises when served 
with the bread and wine, and retires volun- 
tarily to his pew. In turn, another quietly 
kneels in his place, and the minister passes 
along the altar, quietly, or with accustomed 



General Hints. 97 

words, administering the sacrament. This 
plan avoids confusion, abbreviates the serv- 
ice, and often contributes to the spirit of 
devotion. With emphatic explanation that 
all probationers, baptized children, and mem- 
bers of other Christian Churches are equally 
privileged by our Church in the sacrament 
of the Lord's Supper, this occasion may be 
made a most refreshing and profitable means 
of grace. 

Every official of the Church should read 
the late edition of his Discipline each year, 
especially Parts I to VII. In Read the 
addition to this he should own often. 
and read Neely's " Parliamentarian," and be- 
come familiar with the simpler rules of 
order common to parliamentary debate and 

in deliberate assemblies. 
7 



98 Our Lay Offioe-Bearers. 

Course of Study for Class-Leaders. 
Discipline. 

The Catechism, No. 3. 
Episcopal Address to Class-leaders. 
The Class-leader. — Atkinson. 
The Class-meeting. — Fitzgerald. 
The Why of Methodism. — Dorchester. 
Manual for Church Officers. — Dryer. 
Plain Account of Christian Perfection. — Wesley. 
Doctrinal Aspects of Christian Experience. — 
Merrill. 

Father Reeves. 

Memoir of Carvosso. 

Hand-book of Christian Theology. — Field. 

Seed Thought. — Robinson. 

Scripture History. — Smith (abridged). 

Outline of Church History. — Hurst. 

History of Methodism. — Stevens (abridged.) 

Books of Reference. 
Hand-book of Bible Geography. — Whitney. 
Hand-book of Bible Manners and Customs. — 
Freeman. 
Hand-book of Bible Biography. — Barnes. 



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